(The Rev. Eulencine Christopher consecrating the elements for Communion at the Lutheran Church in Berthelsdorf, Germany.)
Watchword for the Week: The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. Psalm 145:13
Praise be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Praise be to the One who does wonderful things.
Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see the many ways you have blessed us.
Open our ears, Lord, that we may hear the cries of need in the world and respond as you lead us.
Open our hearts, Lord, that we might feel your presence with us this day.
With all of our heart, soul, and might, we give you honor and praise.
Psalm for the Week: Psalm 145:10-18
10All your works shall give thanks to you,
O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.
11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
and tell of your power,
12to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
14The Lord upholds all who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
16You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.
17The Lord is just in all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.
18The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Let us confess our sins to our loving God:
Gracious God, your way is perfect, and your will for our lives can bring us meaning. But we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have, at times, disregarded your will for us by looking at the world through selfish eyes. We have acted in ways that have brought pain to us and others and separated us from your love. We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent. Hear now our desire to love you with all of our heart, soul, and might and to love others as you love us. Give us the wisdom to see the world through your compassionate eyes and share your loving presence with those in need.
Hear the comforting words of our Lord: Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take time to read today’s Daily Texts. God speaks to us through the inspiration of scripture, so approach the opportunity to read the texts as a privilege, eagerly anticipating what might be spoken to you today. How might today’s Word make a part of your life new again? If you do not have a copy of the Daily Texts, you will find today’s texts posted in the margin on your page’s right side (at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile phone). When you have finished praying, continue as follows.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, hear us.
Creator of all humanity, we call you Holy and seek to worship you all the days of our lives. We pray that the ways of your heavenly kingdom may be made real in the world that surrounds us. May the bread that we need for today be made available for us and all who are hungry, and may you forgive us just as we are able to forgive those who have sinned against us. In the time of moral testing, may we listen first for your voice calling to us. This world, and all that is in it, always has been and always will be yours. Help us to lose ourselves to you and your kingdom. Help us to find who we truly are as we walk in your light. Amen.
God of the past, present, and eternity,
Fill us with your grace.
For the living of this day,
Give us wisdom and direction.
For the desire to share your grace in tangible ways,
Give us passion and purpose.
Lord of life in whom we live, and move, and have our being,
May we follow you all the days of our lives.
We exalt you and praise your name,
For you have done wonderful things, and we are thankful.
May the love of God, the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
Be and abide with us now and forever. Amen.